AU Energy will establish extensive collaboration in energy research
With the AU Energy project, Aarhus University aims to promote collaboration between all the leading forces in the field of energy research at the university.
The recently set up network – AU Energy – will establish the basis for new collaboration that is both interdisciplinary and unique. The network met at a two-day workshop on 24–25 January to share knowledge about the university’s energy research and to make plans for the future.
AU Energy is a network of scientists with a passion for research into energy. The network’s skills and visions cover many more approaches than traditional energy research into wind turbines, biogas, energy systems, etc. In addition to science and engineering staff, the network includes economists, lawyers, anthropologists, and marketing and environmental experts. The network’s interdisciplinary approach is a strength in itself.
According to Per Baltzer Overgaard, Vice-Dean for Research at Business and Social Sciences, researchers from all areas will find it rewarding to take part in AU Energy:
“Diversity is crucial and – if properly made use of – it can strengthen research at AU Energy in general, and contribute to more actual breakthroughs,” he explains.
Energy should be considered in both research and education
There was full agreement among the researchers attending the workshop that AU Energy should be an internationally recognised centre within five years, with a clear strategy for research. At the same time, the centre should strengthen conditions for ideally collaborating with the business sector and other universities.
“One thing for certain is that strong collaboration with industry is very important,” says Martin Greiner, Department of Engineering.
Energy research must also make its way into Aarhus University’s degree programmes.
“Energy must be presented in an interesting way in the teaching, and serve as an eye-opener that gets students to think energy into their studies,” he believes.
The critical mass is crucial
The vision is that – in ten years – AU Energy will have established a critical mass that will make Aarhus University a centre of excellence both in Denmark and internationally, with collaboration cutting right across the university.
“Energy is incredibly important for the future, and is an enormous challenge,” says Henrik Bindslev, Vice-Dean for Research at Science and Technology.
There is a need for coherence and synergy to get energy research into the limelight.
There are numerous interactive opportunities between the individual research environments at Aarhus University, but these have not yet been fully investigated.
“This makes for exciting opportunities for new collaborations,” says Henrik Bindslev, who describes the workshop as a success.
More information about AU Energy
PA for Vice-Deans Birgitte So-Young Ahn
bsa@science.au.dk
+45 2057 0955
Dean’s Office Secretariat
Science and Technology
or
Special Coordinator Karl Tolstrup
ktol@science.au.dk
+45 2217 2062
Dean’s Office Secretariat
Science and Technology
Text: Julia Rolsted Stacey, AU Communication, Business and Social Sciences